Insta
Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma (Twitter)
Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Sunday launched a scheme to provide one-time financial assistance of Rs 2.5 lakh each to women, whose husbands died from Covid-19.
The new scheme is meant for those widows whose family income is less than Rs 5 lakh per year.
At an emotional function at the Srimanta Sankardeva Kalakshetra here, Sarma, under the new 'Chief Minister's Covid-19 Widows Support Scheme', handed over cheques to 176 eligible beneficiaries from eight districts.
So far, 873 beneficiaries have been identified under this new scheme and the remaining cheques would be given to the widows by the other ministers during their visits in districts next week, he said.
"I have asked the Finance Minister (Ajanta Neog) to provide some funds to help other Covid-affected poor families," Sarma said, adding that the selection process of other beneficiaries (widows) are going on.
"This is not a joyous event for us. When we invite any beneficiary to avail the benefit of the government schemes, we are always delighted. But for this programme, we are neither happy not proud," he said.
According to the Chief Minister, in Assam, 4,828 coronavirus-positive people have died while 1,347 people died due to comorbidities after being tested positive for the Covid-19.
The Assam government had also launched a scheme to provide Rs 3,500 per month to children, who lost their parents or guardians due to Covid-19.
The beneficiaries of Assam government's flagship programmes -- 'Orunodoi' and 'Widow Pension' programmes -- are also eligible for the one-time financial assistance under the new scheme.
Widows of government employees would, however, not be covered as they would get the family pension, as per the normal system.
This news has been published via a Syndicated feed. Only the headline is changed.
Support Swarajya's 50 Ground Reports Project & Sponsor A Story
Every general election Swarajya does a 50 ground reports project.
Aimed only at serious readers and those who appreciate the nuances of political undercurrents, the project provides a sense of India's electoral landscape. As you know, these reports are produced after considerable investment of travel, time and effort on the ground.
This time too we've kicked off the project in style and have covered over 30 constituencies already. If you're someone who appreciates such work and have enjoyed our coverage please consider sponsoring a ground report for just Rs 2999 to Rs 19,999 - it goes a long way in helping us produce more quality reportage.
You can also back this project by becoming a subscriber for as little as Rs 999 - so do click on this links and choose a plan that suits you and back us.
Click below to contribute.
Latest